The Best Day To Buy CNY Goodies is Actually 9 Feb 2024. Here’s Why

Chinese New Year is coming once again, and you’d probably know from the Prosperity Burger posters plastered in every McDonald’s outlet.

Pretty sure it’s not just me, right?

Over at People’s Park Complex and Chinatown, along Sago Street, Smith Street, Temple Street, Trengganu Street and Pagoda Street, the bazaar has began, running from 10am to 10pm daily till 9 February 2024.

This is part of the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebration 2024, and the second time that we can finally witness a crowded bazaar since COVID-19 hit us.

Looking to buy some cheap CNY snacks?

Well, we have a hack.

When to Buy Your Snacks

The annual bazaar is set to dazzle visitors up until 9 February, the eve of the Chinese New Year (CNY).

You can rest assured that the variety and availability of goods will not disappoint. An interesting aspect to consider is that there are at least ten different stalls selling the same type of items, which is something worth keeping in mind as you explore the bazaar.

Now, let’s talk about the most exciting part.

Consider this: the vendors are offering an array of Chinese New Year specialties. Given that the bazaar concludes on CNY itself, vendors face the unique challenge of offloading any unsold items before the celebration ends.

Online sales post-CNY aren’t feasible due to delivery constraints, and holding onto the goods until the following year (or until the next 12 years?) isn’t an option either.

This situation consistently leads to an opportunity for shoppers: on the last day of the bazaar, which is 9 February, prices are often dramatically reduced, a trend that has become a cherished annual occurrence.

According to our past experiences, it’s not uncommon for vendors to offer items for as low as $1 per jar of Chinese New Year cookies – not just at night, but on the day itself.

This incredible deal comes with several benefits, especially if you choose to make your purchases on this final day:

• If you purchase the goodies too early, there’s a high chance you’ll indulge in them before CNY even arrives, a temptation we’re all too familiar with and happens year after year.
• Buying early could also lead to unwanted weight gain before CNY, posing the risk of not fitting into those brand-new outfits you’ve been excited to wear.
• Buying on the last day encapsulates the true essence of the CNY experience, adding a special touch to the festive spirit.

Concerns about limited choices on the final day are understandable, but rest assured, experience has shown that there’s typically more than enough stock to go around.

However, the police have advised that for “crowd safety, diversions to access the bazaar may be implemented. If crowd safety thresholds are reached, specific areas will be locked down.”

Also, as Chinatown MRT station is expected to be crowded, you are advised to consider using Maxwell MRT station, which is a short walk away. You can even have your meal at the popular Tian Tian Chicken Rice before going for your hunt!

So there you have it: a little insider tip to make the most out of your bazaar shopping experience. You’re most certainly welcome!

And oh, this applies to neighbourhood shops as well, so resist your temptation and you’d save more money (and lose more weight).